In the assessment of a child with an acquired brain injury, which information is most critical for planning therapy goals?

• A. Standardized grammar test
• B. Premorbid level of function
• C. Current IQ
• D. Dietary preferences

Answer: (B)

Premorbid level of function provides the baseline for what the child could achieve before the brain injury, which is essential for planning therapy goals. Knowing this helps set realistic, meaningful targets and decides whether goals should aim to restore prior abilities or develop compensatory strategies to reach the child’s pre-injury level in daily life, school, and social functioning. It also clarifies which areas are most affected by the injury and informs the expected recovery trajectory, guiding the selection and prioritization of interventions.

A standardized grammar test shows current language skills without context of past performance, current IQ offers a broad cognitive snapshot that can be influenced by the injury, and dietary preferences don’t inform rehabilitation goals. Premorbid function is the most informative for shaping goals that truly reflect the child’s needs and potential.